Designer Spotlight : Year Zero London

New pop and urban styles, synonymous with absolute eccentricity, halfway between fashion and music : Welcome to Year Zero London. A brand which was created seven years ago by Rocky Mazzilli , Louise Michielsens and Tatum Mazzilli; not just a brand, but an inspiration and a store in the Carnaby Street area.

House of Coco spent some time with Tatum to find out more…

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?

The Year Zero London brand was actually started eight years ago and the reason behind it was that we wanted to create something fresh and original that we felt was currently missing on the market. We had a calling to design something that was powerful and expressed messages through fashion but also about encompassed other influences such as art and music. Our aim was to create iconic one-of-a-kind pieces and accessories that are unique and conversational.

Thanks to our distinctive designs, we recently got the opportunity to collaborate with Saban’s global brand Power Rangers to create ‘Power Rangers Luxe’, a cult fashion collaboration which brings today’s market edge, actuality, and funkiness. There’s never been anything like this created before and the collection is brilliant as expresses playfulness and a free-spirit, two things that Year Zero are hugely passionate about.

What’s your background?

I was brought up in the fashion world by my parents, who are Belgian and Italian. We moved to London in the 90’s and they designed for some huge fashion names such as Valentino, Ferragamo, and Benetton amongst many others so fashion is definitely in my DNA! I was a straight A-student but honestly love spending time with my parents and in the workshop. From an early age I was already the number 1 sales assistant, dealing with world-famous superstars and royals so I was surrounded by so much inspiration and had the best time. Living in my family, you’re surrounding by creativity so I guess that is my background.

How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?

There is a handful of people involved in the company, the most important being me – joke! There is Louise, my gorgeous mother and my awesome brother Rocky and together we deal with the creative work as well as the running of the business. We also have an incredible pattern cutter and seamstress called Michael and the angelic Andy who specialises in creating our acrylic jewellery.

If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?

I’m not really one to dwell on the past and instead focus on big visions for the future. I stay focused on the present, therefore I wouldn’t change anything but would perhaps visit my younger self and give some advice such as; “when times get tough it’s going to be OK, you’ll make it through and you’ll be great!”

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?

Being independent as a brand is always challenging but you face struggles and you face beauty. As an independent, you have the responsibility of bills, accountancy, and maintaining the store with no backing. On the other hand, we’re blessed to have creative freedom which we have relished for 8 years.

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?

I dated a sociopath for a year and a half and it really opened up my eyes to the different types of people out there and how negative a relationship can be. I like to surround myself with positive people who only want the best for me and I always recommend this to others. Be with those who lift you up everyday!

2015 is here, where do you plan on taking the brand?

We’ve already had a great response on the Power Rangers Luxe limited edition collection and hope for continued success. Since this project, I’ve got the collaboration bug and I have so much love for this brand that I want to take it to a global level, potentially distributing to exclusive stores around the world where we can showcase our amazing creations to the international market.

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?

The highlight happens daily when I realise I am putting food on my plate through the work of my creations. I love my job, love what I do and feel blessed that I am able to survive through my craft.

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?

London is burning and it’s always been hot. Of course I love this city as it’s my home, full of amazing people who are full of style and energy. Even though it has become one of the most expensive cities in the world and many independent stores are disappearing, in London you have the freedom and power to create and express yourself. I still believe it to be one of the best places to be able to succeed at originality.

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?

You’ll never see me leave my flat without my Mac Ruby Red lipstick, my Marlborough lights and s***t loads of confidence! Confidence, to me, is the most beautiful product a girl can have!

Style means….?

Expressing your imagination!

Best thing about London to you?

The eclectic mix of individuals and social classes – you can be rubbing shoulders with royalty and those on the total opposite scale all in the same place. There is no segregation but more of an embrace of multiculturalism.

Statement shoe or statement bag?

Definitely statement bag! My brother Rocky creates bespoke designs with handbags from the likes of Hermes and Louis Vuitton (Year Zero’s ‘Be You’ service). He’s a genius but he is so busy with his work right now he refuses to paint my Birkin – not fair!

Piece of clothing you would wear every day?

I’m obsessed with the Power Rangers Luxe maxi t-shirts we designed – these have their iconic Phoenix emblem appliqued in PVC. I can’t stop wearing mine and it makes me feel so sexy! It looks great with everything and I’ll wear it with jeans/leggings or for ultimate cheekiness, by itself! It’s epic.

Favourite love song?

“Running up that hill” by Placebo – I fricking LOVE it.

Best place for a coffee?

Mildreds on Lexington Street, just around the corner from our store where you will find the most handsome chef ever! He’s the most beautiful exotic creature with Chilean and Aussie origin and he makes excellent mocha’s just the way I like them!

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?

Brace yourself for this great quote; “If you f**k them they love you , if you love them they f**k you”.

Guilty pleasure?

Watching Zayne Malik GIF’s on Tumblr haha!

If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I don’t know if 24 hours would be enough but it would be with the delicious James Franco!

In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?

Our plan right now is to keep using our talents to make amazing/extraordinary pieces and collections. I’m all over pop-ups and collaborations around the world and would love to expand, creating more collections such as we have with Saban and POWER RANGERS LUXE. All I know is that this experience so far has brought me so much pleasure. My current and future ethos is; “Follow your dreams but remember dreams don’t work unless you do!”